Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Deepen Ties with China — Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang
Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says Ghana remains committed to expanding trade, investment, and people-to-people ties with China as bilateral relations hit new heights.
Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Deepen Ties with China — Vice-President
Ghana has reiterated its commitment to strengthening and expanding its relations with China, with a renewed focus on trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang said the partnership between the two countries must continue to evolve in response to changing global economic realities, ensuring that cooperation remains mutually beneficial.
She made the remarks when the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Tong Defa, paid a farewell courtesy call on her at the Jubilee House as he prepares to conclude his diplomatic tenure.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that Ghana values its longstanding relationship with China and sees it as a critical pillar in the country’s broader foreign policy and development strategy.
“In an evolving global economic landscape, it is important that we continually review and strengthen partnerships that are mutually beneficial,” she said. “Ghana remains committed to deepening trade, investment, and people-to-people relations with China for the shared prosperity of our two nations.”
The Vice-President expressed gratitude to Ambassador Tong for his service since assuming office on August 4, 2024, and commended him for the tangible contributions he made to Ghana-China relations during his tenure.
She highlighted his role in advancing the zero-tariff agreement between the two countries and facilitating Chinese government grants for major development projects, including the construction of the Aflao Market and the Catholic Science and Technology University in Damongo.
“These initiatives are not just symbols of cooperation; they are investments in livelihoods, education, and economic transformation,” she noted.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang wished the Ambassador safe travels and encouraged him to continue fostering goodwill towards Ghana in his future diplomatic engagements.
She also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded President John Dramani Mahama during his recent visit to China, where both countries agreed on a new blueprint for future engagement. According to her, that visit marked a new chapter in Ghana-China relations and laid a foundation for expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, technology, and education.
The Vice-President voiced confidence that the incoming Chinese Ambassador would build on the strong foundations already established and further deepen collaboration between the two countries.
Bilateral Trade Hits Record Levels
For his part, Ambassador Tong disclosed that bilateral trade between Ghana and China has reached an unprecedented $15 billion, reflecting the rapid growth in economic engagement between the two nations.
He described the figure as a clear indicator of the strength and vitality of the relationship and highlighted several key initiatives undertaken during his tenure, particularly in infrastructure development and education.
“I am grateful for the cordial relations that enabled me to fulfil my responsibilities,” he said. “China-Ghana relations have a long history of cooperation and a sound momentum of development in recent years. I am happy that this relationship has been further strengthened.”
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development aspirations and described Ghana as one of China’s most important partners in Africa.
Farewell Visits Mark End of Tenure
In a related development, Ambassador Tong also paid a farewell courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, as part of activities marking the end of his assignment in Ghana.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s office in Accra, focused on the depth and resilience of Ghana-China relations, with both sides reflecting on the Ambassador’s contributions to enhancing cooperation in critical areas such as security, economic ties, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Mr Muntaka praised Ambassador Tong for his dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its partnership with China.
“The relationship between Ghana and China is deep-rooted and cordial,” the Minister said. “We value the friendship and cooperation that continue to benefit our people and our economy.”
He extended best wishes to the Ambassador in his future endeavours and thanked him for his role in advancing Ghana-China collaboration.
Ambassador Tong, in response, expressed deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality he and his team received throughout his tenure. He noted that Ghana remained a priority partner for China in Africa, with relations reaching new heights in recent years.
He pointed especially to the impact of high-level engagements, including President Mahama’s state visit to China in 2025, which he said further strengthened political trust and economic cooperation between the two nations.
A Partnership Set to Grow
Ghana-China relations date back more than six decades and have evolved into a comprehensive partnership covering trade, infrastructure, education, health, culture, and technology. Over the years, Chinese-supported projects have become a visible part of Ghana’s development landscape, from roads and markets to universities and industrial parks.
With bilateral trade now at record levels and both governments expressing a clear desire to deepen engagement, analysts believe the relationship is poised for further expansion—particularly in areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and skills development.
Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang’s remarks underscore Ghana’s intention to ensure that this partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits for citizens while adapting to new global challenges.
As Ambassador Tong departs, the message from Accra is clear: Ghana values its partnership with China and remains firmly committed to building a future defined by cooperation, shared growth, and enduring friendship.
